What is the FDA's list of ingredients considered safe and not designated as additives called?

The term "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) refers to substances that are considered safe for consumption and therefore do not require pre-market approval by the FDA as food additives. This designation is based on a history of safe use in food or on scientific evidence that demonstrates safety. Essentially, if an ingredient is GRAS, it means that qualified experts have reviewed the safety data and determined that it poses no significant risk when used as intended, allowing for its use in food products without the extensive regulatory process that other additives might require.

The significance of the GRAS designation is that it facilitates innovation and ensures that safe ingredients can be utilized in food production without unnecessary regulatory hurdles, which could slow down the introduction of new products into the marketplace. Understanding the GRAS status is essential for food scientists as it impacts formulation and safety assessments in food manufacturing.